Improvement in safety devices for hatchways



UNITED STATES `PATENT OEEICE.

ALEXANDER FRIES, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT lN SAFETY DEVICES AFo R HATCHWAYS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N o. 111.628, dated February 7, 1871.

tachment for Hatchways, of which the followingr is a specification.

My invention relates to a device for application to hatchways, whereby the frequent loss of life and limb to persons falling down such openings is avoided; and my invention consists in the provision of a series of nets suspended in the hatchways and adapted to rise and fall with the elevation or depressonof the platform. i

In the drawings, Figure l is a perspective view of a series vof hatehways provided'with my improvement, a portion of'the nets being broken away. Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the same. Fig. 3 is a plan showing a modifieution of my invention.

A Al A represent a' series of hatchways; B TB', the customary guide-posts; C, timbers atbr near the top of the building; D, the platform, capable of elevation by the ordinary hoisting-rope, E, or any other means, and havinga bridge, X, and cross-piece W, to lift the upper nettings, hereinafter described. 'Bhe bridge X also serves for Vattachment of the hoisting rope or chain where one is used.

Suspended by cords or chains F F F F" fromthe timbers C are a series of light horizontal frames, 1 2 3, corresponding in shape and alittle less in size than the openings of Athe hatchways. Suspended in like manner from the under side of the platform are similar frames, 4 5 6. The central portion of eachl frame has a net-work filling, L, of rope or cord-v age.

ln the modification shown in Fig'. 3 the stanchions B B' are omitted and the frame G is confined to its proper path by rollers H, which traverse the posts I, located ut the four corners of said frame.

Operation: As the platform ascends the nets are one by one elevated by the bridge and cross-piece X W, and the lower netsa: e at the same time consecutively elevated, so as always to oppose one or more guards at every hutchway, capable of breaking the fall ofany person who may be preeipitateddown the opening.

I claim as new and of my invention- 1. The provision of one o r more nets to be suspended Within hatchways, substantially as and for the purpose stated.

Lp-v2. The application to the hatchways of a hoisting apparatus of two series of nets, L, of which the upperones are suspended from some point or points above the platform and the lower ones from the platform itself, substantially as set forth. Y

In testimony of which invention I hereunto set my hand.

ALEXANDER FRIES.

Witnesses:

GEO. H. KNIGHT,

JAMES H. LAYMAN. 

